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Ford Fusion stands apart in the competitive midsize market with a bold, distinctive design and segment-leading quality, safety and affordability. For 2008, Fusion offers total connectivity with Ford Sync. This hands-free technology enables the integration of cellphones and portable media players into the vehicle's audio system via Bluetooth technology and USB connectivity. Other features newly available for 2008 include Reverse Sensing System, keyless entry keypad and ambient lighting.

Henry Ford became famous for saying his customers could have the Model T in any color, so long as it was black. Automakers are going back to black, embracing the spirit of Ford's notion in response to mounting losses and the risk of a deeper downturn. Ford chief Alan Mulally said he was amazed by the number of color variations offered. With so many variations, a customer inevitably will want a vehicle that is not in stock, leading to a frustrated customer and pressure on the dealer to offer a discount, he said.

Source: Reuters

The all-new 2009 Honda Fit, set to go on sale this fall has made its debut at the recent New York Auto Show. The 2009 Honda Fit promises to further its leadership in the subcompact segment with the top-of-class feature content, including as available a Satellite Linked Navigation System, improved interior functionality, including one-motion fold-down rear seats; an enhanced sporty demeanor through improved suspension, steering and body rigidity; and high-level standard safety equipment.

Exterior styling has bumped "the deal" as the top reason consumers give for buying a General Motors product. In 2003, 26.5 percent of those who bought a GM vehicle listed the deal as the top reason for their purchase, but in 2007 that changed. According to J.D. Power and Associates data exterior styling led the rankings, with 12.6 percent of buyers listing it as the most influential reason to buy a GM car. Fuel economy and performance followed.

Source: Automotive News

One of the best ways to see the great outdoors is by driving your four-wheel-drive vehicle off road. But before you get into the wilds, put your vehicle into four-wheel drive so you can negotiate hills, ravines, rocks, ruts, streams and other obstacles. Don't apply sudden acceleration, braking or turning. This could cause your vehicle's center of gravity to shift. Creep slowly and most importantly, and don't be in a hurry. Enjoy the ride.

Source: Motor Matters

The 2008 Suzuki SX4 is a small SUV-like hatchback. The all-wheel-drive model has three settings: front-wheel drive for better fuel economy, Auto and Lock for improved traction on slippery surfaces. The SX4 seats five and has a small cargo space behind the folding rear seat. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine drones on the highway and delivers slow acceleration, according to Consumer Reports magazine. Handling is fairly nimble, but the ride is stiff. It sells for $14,770.

When will Chinese vehicles, the Wen brand, be coming to the U.S.? That is the question everyone wants answered about Chinese cars, said J.D. Power and Associates Asia analyst Tim Dunne. He admitted no one knows for sure. CHAMCO (China America Cooperative Automotive Inc.), promises vehicles will be here in 2009. But Global Insight analyst George Magliano says no Chinese cars will be sold in the U.S. until after 2012. What are the biggest stumbling blocks? They would be vehicle quality and U.S. safety and emissions requirements.

Source: NADA

While we are so focused now on the price of gasoline, it's not the only thing determining how much it costs to operate your vehicle. You must include maintenance, tire upkeep, tune-ups, repairs and replacements. License and registration fees are other considerations, but the biggest expense of all is depreciation, which amounts to what you paid for your vehicle less what you can sell it for.

Source: Motor Matters

This car offers a well-appointed spacious cabin and a quiet comfortable ride, according to Consumer Reports Magazine. This sedan has an engine that is powerful, smooth and refined. It also has a revised suspension to improve ride and handling. Although the ride is less soft and buoyant, it is more secure than the previous model. However, fuel economy is not a strong suit. EPA ratings on the 2008 Amanti are 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway.

The vice chairman of General Motors, Bob Lutz, says his personal skepticism about global warming doesn't undercut the automaker's efforts to develop and sell new types of vehicles that emit less carbon dioxide.

"The commitment is there and I think my personal skepticism of certain aspects of global warming have absolutely nothing to do with anything," Lutz said. "We have a very clear-cut direction. The direction is to take the automobile out of the environmental equation as quickly as possible."

Source: Bloomberg News

Copyright 2008, Motor Matters